Episode 9: The Human Sword, Meeting an Interesting Person.
Time seemed to flow slowly.
It was a world she had never seen before.
The blowing wind, the air she breathed, the cheers of the crowd—they were all visible. Among these visible sounds, the one that appeared particularly sorrowful… was this Sohyeon’s voice?
“Unni, be careful!”
Wang Suryeon snapped back to her senses and looked straight ahead. The first thing she saw was the dark-red malice rising from Gwak Jagi’s entire body like incense smoke. And she saw the space dominated by the sword extending toward her—no, by the sword’s trajectory—and at the same time, she saw the empty space. Several lines were drawn before her eyes. The sword was coming for her right chest. The shortest line to block its path was drawn. My line is too short. I cannot block it. But… if I shift one step, turn my body, and raise my sword, a new line is drawn… I can block it.
—CLANG!
The sound of clashing swords rang throughout the arena.
Gwak Jagi and Wang Suryeon stepped back simultaneously in surprise. Gwak Jagi was surprised because Wang Suryeon, who had seemed on the verge of collapsing, had hidden two feints and generated three variations to block his unfolded strike. Wang Suryeon was surprised because her weakened sword had easily shaken off Gwak Jagi’s space-dominating blade. It would have been impossible if she hadn’t precisely grasped the meridian through which power flowed.
“Gwak Jagi. Now… I see.”
“Hmph, ‘see’ what? You blocked one strike by luck and now you’re full of yourself.”
Gwak Jagi began his attack once more. He intended to shred her clothes to pieces and shame her by exposing her bare flesh. He quickly approached using the Flowing Fortune Footwork, then suddenly halted. Wang Suryeon’s sword was already placed in the space where he was about to step.
“Tch… l-let’s see how long your luck lasts!”
Gwak Jagi, who had stopped, charged again, unleashing the ultimate move of the Solar Sword Technique, Solar Light Demon Extermination, but before the first variation could even begin, his footwork faltered, he lost his breath, and was forced to retreat. Once more, and then again, he wielded his sword faster and more cunningly, but Wang Suryeon’s sword preemptively occupied the space each time, preventing his sword path from connecting.
Exclamations burst from the spectator seats, and it seemed she could hear someone’s snickering.
Gwak Jagi knew that the time had finally come to show the Subduing Demon Sword Technique.
“Very well, I shall admit what must be admitted. Like father, like daughter, is it? But did you think such crude swordsmanship could block my Subduing Demon Sword Technique!”
At the cry of “Subduing Demon Sword Technique,” the crowd stirred into commotion, and this gave Gwak Jagi a pleasant thrill. The Subduing Demon Sword Technique was a transcendent martial art requiring the unity of Essence, Qi, and Spirit. He assumed a stance and began infusing his sword with the internal energy of the Heavenly Thunder Subduing Demon Divine Art. He would shatter the sword’s flow and settle the match in a single blow, and Wang Suryeon would cough up blood and collapse. Since she had brought it upon herself, he would not be blamed.
However, the moment he raised his heavy sword, laden with internal energy, to perform the Subduing Demon Sword Technique… Wang Suryeon’s blade suddenly appeared, as agile as a swallow skimming water yet at an unpredictable angle, and struck the Quchi acupoint at Gwak Jagi’s elbow.
—CLATTER!
As Gwak Jagi’s sword fell to the ground, his right hand paralyzed, Wang Suryeon’s blade was already touching his Adam’s apple.
“Why is it always you who attacks and I who blocks? I can attack too.”
A fierce cheer erupted from the spectator seats, which had been silent for an instant, and someone shouted at the referee. The referee, who had been standing in shock with a blank expression, approached and announced the result as if he had no choice.
“The winner is Phoenix Terrace reserve member, Wang Suryeon.”
Namgung Inhye, Ju Cheongcheong, and Jin Sohyeon rushed out and embraced Wang Suryeon.
Gwang Hanja of the VIP seats hurriedly left the arena without even accepting Strategist Jegal’s greeting, and Namgung Seolhyeon also turned away with a sneer.
Ju Cheongcheong quietly approached Gwak Jagi, who was trembling before slumping to the ground, and gently placed something before him. It was a 500-nyang promissory note.
The crowd was still cheering, and amidst it, Jang Ingeom, who had been smiling, finally hid the dried bean he had been holding between his thumb and index finger into his sleeve cuff.
+++
After the duel, as her tension released, tremendous fatigue washed over her, so Wang Suryeon hurriedly treated her wounds and immediately fell asleep. Namgung Inhye, hailing from the Namgung Clan—a renowned family of swordsmanship—possessed Golden Wound Medicine, which was especially effective against stab wounds, and Ju Cheongcheong, whose father was second to none when it came to expressing parental love through money, had plenty of top-grade emergency medicine. Thus, Wang Suryeon’s body was covered in precious, expensive medicine and wrapped tightly in clean, plain cotton cloth.
After confirming that Wang Suryeon had fallen asleep with a peaceful face, Namgung Inhye rose with a nod, and Ju Cheongcheong and Jin Sohyeon quietly followed suit.
It was late evening, well past mealtime, and Jang Ingeom was alone in the dining hall. As if sensing them approaching, he had already prepared dinner for three.
“How is Officer Wang doing?”
“She fell into a deep sleep. She must have been very tired. Thankfully, the sword cuts aren’t severe. Though she’ll likely have some scars in a few places.”
“I have some medicine made by my Third Master. I’ll bring some later. It’s very effective at growing new flesh and preventing scars.”
Jin Sohyeon laughed upon hearing they even had medicine for scars. Just what couldn’t this chef do?
“Unni Suryeon will surely speak to you separately, but we too are very grateful to Chef Jang. Thanks to you, Unni was able to defeat Gwak Jagi.”
Namgung Inhye bowed respectfully in gratitude, and Ju Cheongcheong and Jin Sohyeon followed suit.
Jang Ingeom smiled shyly and accepted their thanks. He didn’t think Wang Suryeon had won because of him, but it felt right to accept sincere gratitude graciously.
“Officer Wang… must have ultimately obtained her sixth sense. I can’t take credit for it. If we must find a cause, perhaps Gwak Jagi deserves more credit for driving Officer Wang’s emotions to the extreme.”
“What? So when I asked if we should stop the duel, that was why you said to wait a little longer?”
Jang Ingeom looked at the surprised Jin Sohyeon and pondered for a moment. He hadn’t been certain that her sixth sense would awaken during the duel. His own sixth sense hadn’t developed enough to predict such a thing. He simply had a feeling that he wanted to wait a bit longer for Wang Suryeon. That was all. Or perhaps his own senses had developed further in the meantime.
“I couldn’t be certain either. However, need creates will, and that will creates opportunity. I did hold some hope that it might happen.”
“Anyway, from today, it’s true that Unni Suryeon has risen to first-rate level in one leap, right?”
Jang Ingeom, sensing someone slowly approaching, smiled and suggested they ask the person herself.
A moment later, the dining hall door opened, and Wang Suryeon entered wrapped in bandages in a comical appearance.
“Chef Jang. I’m so hungry.”
+++
The excitement and joy of the duel passed, and ordinary daily life resumed.
After lunch and cleaning up, Jang Ingeom was enjoying his daily, unchanging moment of leisure with a warm cup of tea when an interesting person visited.
The visitor cleared his throat several times outside the dining hall door to announce his presence, then opened the door halfway and peeked his head in to survey the inside. Having confirmed Jang Ingeom was alone, the visitor approached with a smile and sat before him.
“Brother Jang, greetings. I am Paeng Sowol. This is the Phoenix Terrace dining hall, is it not?”
“That’s correct. To be precise, it’s the Phoenix Terrace Reserve dining hall. Ah, I am Jang Ingeom… the cook in charge here.”
“Oh, so it was Brother Jang. Pleased to meet you. I have found the right place. So this is where… that… Miss Wang Suryeon takes her meals every day…”
“All the officers dine together here. But what brings you?”
Paeng Sowol seemed to have forgotten himself upon the question and hurriedly pulled out a thin booklet from his bosom, then handed it to the puzzled Jang Ingeom, who still didn’t know why he had come.
“‘Martial Alliance True Chronicles’! Surely you’ve heard of it, Brother Jang? It’s a newsletter delivering the fastest and most accurate news of the Martial Alliance to the fellow wanderers of Jianghu. There are competing newsletters, such as the Hao Sect’s ‘White Paper on Jianghu Strange Affairs’ or the Sima Clan’s ‘Handbook of Central Plains Gallants,’ but we hold relative superiority and differentiation in specializing exclusively in the Martial Alliance’s news.”
Jang Ingeom found himself nodding unconsciously at Paeng Sowol’s proud explanation. So there were such books in the world. Having no knowledge beyond what his master had told him, Jang Ingeom occasionally felt inconvenienced, making this a book of considerable interest to him.
“I have only recently come down from the mountain and am lacking in experience, so I was unaware. Then, young hero Paeng, you are…?”
“Hahaha, I am precisely the third-generation publisher of ‘Martial Alliance True Chronicles.’ And ‘young hero’… just call me Brother Paeng. I am addressing you as Brother Jang, after all.”
Though his luxurious attire and considerable martial arts level suggested he might be a somewhat famous young expert, Paeng Sowol was remarkably unaffected and without airs.
“I witnessed yesterday’s duel between Miss Wang and Gwak Jagi. Honestly, I went out of curiosity for Gwak Jagi, but what caught my eye and heart was undoubtedly Miss Wang Suryeon. Her beautiful features aside, her outstanding skill in overpowering the Gongdong Sect’s sword techniques, and above all, her indomitable fighting spirit in never giving up despite the early disadvantages and injuries. Though it was a short duel, it contained much implicitly. I made a vow. I must deliver this beautiful tale to the young people of the world who yearn for Jianghu.”
Hearing Paeng Sowol praise Wang Suryeon using words he himself would be too embarrassed to say, Jang Ingeom couldn’t help but laugh inwardly. He seemed very ridiculous yet very serious, and that suited Paeng Sowol remarkably well.
Seeing that Jang Ingeom seemed to be listening intently, an excited Paeng Sowol began earnestly preaching his ideals.
“Brother Jang, what do you think is the reason for the Martial Alliance’s existence?”
Hearing the same question he had heard from Strategist Jegal not long ago come from Paeng Sowol’s mouth, Jang Ingeom swallowed a laugh once more. What answer would this interesting person give?
“Well… I have only recently joined the alliance and have been doing nothing but cooking…”
“Most people say it is to defeat the demonic sects and evil outsiders and protect the peace of Jianghu. But is that all? It cannot be. Those who speak thus are the ones who truly do not know what people want.”
Paeng Sowol, who had been speaking passionately, coughed a few times as if his throat were dry, and Jang Ingeom quickly brought a teacup and poured him tea.
“Thank you. Where was I? Ah, yes. What people expect from the Martial Alliance is actually dreams and hope. After the Blood Robe Cult’s rebellion fifty years ago and the invasion of the Four Frontier Powers thirty years ago were crushed, it seemed peace had come to Jianghu. But have people’s lives truly improved? They have not. Look around in every direction—it is nothing but a harsh world full of hardship, is it not?”
“Then are you saying the Martial Alliance gives people dreams and hope?”
“The Martial Alliance? Not a chance. The Martial Alliance ought to give dreams and hope, but in reality it cannot, and thus it is this very ‘Martial Alliance True Chronicles’ that takes its place. Look at this book. It does not contain stories of completed experts like the Ten Greatest Experts Under Heaven. The stories of growing young people, the process of overcoming adversity, and the love of beautiful lady warriors—those are what ‘Martial Alliance True Chronicles’ seeks to tell. Though packaged with crude labels like ‘Divine Dragon Four Nobles’ or ‘Five Great Beauties of the Martial Alliance’ to attract people’s interest, the underlying meaning within is actually dreams and hope.”
His decent looks and pleasant baritone voice probably helped, but whatever the case, Paeng Sowol’s words were strangely persuasive. Paeng Sowol’s oration continued as he lifted the teapot himself and poured tea.
“That is precisely why Miss Wang Suryeon’s story is precious. In a hopeless, suffocating world, people project themselves into her story and dream of growing together. When she cries, they grieve together; when she smiles, they rejoice as if it were their own affair. Honestly, I would like to immediately grant her a spot among the ‘Five Great Beauties of the Martial Alliance,’ but that would obviously provoke backlash from some quarters, so in this issue we shall first introduce Miss Wang to the world, gather the public’s expectations, and in the next issue…”
“Excuse me, Brother Paeng. If news of Officer Wang’s duel spreads widely, won’t the Gongdong Sect take offense? Intentionally provoking the Gongdong Sect doesn’t seem like it would do Officer Wang any good.”
Paeng Sowol smiled subtly upon hearing Jang Ingeom’s natural concern. Though there were clearly only two people in the dining hall, he lowered his voice as if afraid someone might hear and whispered into Jang Ingeom’s ear.
“Brother Jang, you do not seem to know much about the Gongdong Sect. They are ones who forget favors but never forget grudges. In some ways, they are worse than the demonic sects. Miss Wang has already drawn the Gongdong Sect’s ire. It cannot be undone. To protect her from the Gongdong Sect’s vengeance, Miss Wang must make a name for herself as soon as possible. Then the Gongdong Sect will be unable to pull any reckless tricks rashly.”
He hadn’t thought that the Gongdong Sect, belonging to the Nine Sects One Union—the supposed pillars of the orthodox faction—would pull any reckless tricks over the results of a legitimate duel, but seeing Paeng Sowol so serious, he felt a little worried.
“I well understand that you take a great interest in Officer Wang, Brother Paeng. But the reason you came here…?”
Was it Jang Ingeom’s imagination? For a moment, Paeng Sowol’s face seemed to redden slightly.
“For the reasons I explained… I wish to meet Miss Wang, but… for a first meeting, I should treat her to a meal at a fine inn… Hmm, it would help to know what food she likes… Ah, and if there is any particular alcohol she favors… I thought Brother Jang, who would know her dining preferences, could help…”
Paeng Sowol, who had been speaking without hesitation until now, suddenly began stammering. Not knowing why he had suddenly changed, Jang Ingeom nevertheless offered a sincere answer.
“She is not picky and eats well, though she seems to prefer meat. However, until her duel wounds heal, it’s best to avoid greasy food. The same goes for alcohol. She should avoid drinking for about a month.”
“Oh~ Now I see, Brother Jang is an expert in romance. To think you could be so delicate and meticulous! Listening well to others and considering such detailed matters—you must have broken many women’s hearts. Hahaha, I shall learn well from you.”
Having heard the answer he wanted, Paeng Sowol left a promise to meet again and hurriedly departed the dining hall.
Having unwittingly become an expert in romance, Jang Ingeom decided to unfold the *Martial Alliance True Chronicles* Paeng Sowol had left behind and continue enjoying his leisurely cup of tea.